Loblolly pine tree named ‘96GE0034’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of loblolly pine tree named ‘96GE0034’, particularly characterized by excellent stem straightness, high biomass production, uniform rapid growth and good fusiform rust resistance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/093,074, filed Aug. 29, 2008, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new, distinct and stable variety of pine tree, botanically known as Pinus taeda L. of the Pinaceae family, commonly known as loblolly pine, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘96GE0034’. The present invention relates to tissue cultures which are the loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, as well as, plants and plant parts, such as, pollen, seeds, cones, inflorescence, needles, embryos, cuttings, seedlings, bark, wood, oils, lumber or timber obtained from plants having all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention further relates to harvested products obtained from loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, such as wood, pulp or paper. The present invention also relates to methods for producing ‘96GE0034’ tissue cultures, regenerating ‘96GE0034’ plants therefrom, as well as progeny of the loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention relates to a method of producing loblolly pine wherein the method is somatic embryogenesis comprising the tissue culture and regeneration of the loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ plants. The invention further relates to making root cuttings of the reproduced ‘96GE0034’ plants and planting the root cuttings. The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrids thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, either as the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, and (b) selecting progeny. The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrids thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, as either the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, (b) harvesting seeds produced from said cross, and (c) producing and selecting progeny from said harvested seeds. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny, comprising the steps of selfing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, and (b) selecting progeny.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new, distinct and stable variety of pine tree, botanically known as Pinus taeda of the Pinaceae family, commonly known as a loblolly pine, also known as Arkansas pine, North Carolina pine and oldfield pine, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘96GE0034’.

Loblolly pine is native to the southeastern United States. Typical loblolly pine grows within a range of about 30 to 35 m in height and about 0.4 to 1.5 m in diameter. Needles of loblolly pine are arranged in bundles of three, which are sometimes twisted, and measure within a range of about 12 to 22 cm. Cones of loblolly pine are initially green in color, maturing to a pale brown, measure within a range of i) about 7 to 13 cm in length, and ii) about 2 to 3 cm in width when closed, and maturing to about 4 to 6 cm in width once opened, and contain scales with a sharp spine about 3 to 6 mm in length.

Loblolly pine has a vigorous growth rate and is grown for lumber and pulp fibers. Methods for reproduction and cultivation of loblolly pine are well known. For a detailed discussion, reference is made to the following publications, which are incorporated by reference: Becwar and Pullman, IPST Technical Paper Series No. 528, Institute of Paper Science and Technology, 1994, pp. 1-18; Pullman and Johnson, Ann. For. Sci., Vol. 50, 2002, pp. 663-668; Seeds of Woody Plants in the United States, USDA Agricultural Handbook, No. 450, 1974, pp. 608-631; Dorman, K. W., The Genetics and Breeding of Southern Pines, USDA Agricultural Handbook 471, 1976, pp. 24-51; Duryea and Dougherty, Forest Regeneration Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1991, p. 433.

Since loblolly pine is a commercially important forest species, research studies have been undertaken to identify promising loblolly pine varieties and hybrids which express a) resistance to problematic diseases and pests, such as fusiform rust and bark beetles, b) weather tolerance, such as extreme cold and drought tolerance c) stem strength and straightness, d) improved wood quality, and e) vigorous growth rate. Research studies have been conducted to identify such promising loblolly pine varieties and hybrids. In addition, the distinctive genetic fingerprint for these varieties can be analyzed. Numerous reproductive methods have been developed for loblolly pine varieties. In particular, asexual propagation by somatic embryogenesis is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,494 for conifers, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0079408-P1 for loblolly pine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new loblolly pine tree selection that possesses excellent stem straightness, high biomass production, uniform rapid growth and good fusiform rust resistance.

These and other objectives have been achieved in accordance with the present invention which provides ‘96GE0034’ as a new, distinct and stable variety of loblolly pine that is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventors in 1995 in Ravenel, S.C. The new loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ is a progeny of a first-generation selection pollinated by a first-generation selection. The female or seed parent is the unpatented Pinus taeda variety designated 7-56 selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and is a first-generation selection. The male or pollen parent is the unpatented Pinus taeda variety designated 9-6 selected in Brunswick County, North Carolina, and is a first-generation selection.

Tissue culture of the new loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ is deposited with the American Culture Type Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. 25 frozen, callus tissue cultures of loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ were deposited with the ATCC on Jul. 10, 2008, and accorded ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No.: PTA-9358. For the purpose of this application, the designation GE34 is equivalent to ‘96GE0034’, the designation used by the ATCC in handling this deposit. Because any plant produced from the tissue culture of the new loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ is a clone, the unique characteristics of ‘96GE0034’ are implemented at every planting spot in a stand. This leads to stands with high uniformity in growth and quality.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tissue cultures which produce the loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention also relates to loblolly pine, and plant parts thereof, that is loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention also relates to loblolly pine, and plant parts thereof, having all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention also relates to plant parts, such as pollen, seeds, cones, inflorescence, needles, embryos, cuttings, seedlings, bark, wood, oils, lumber or timber produced by loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. The present invention also relates to harvested products or extractives of loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, such as wood, pulp, oil, or paper.

The present invention relates to a method of producing a loblolly pine variety, wherein the method is somatic embryogenesis comprising the tissue culture of the loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’. This method may further comprise making root cuttings from the reproduced ‘96GE0034’ and planting the root cuttings.

The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrid thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, either as the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, and (b) selecting progeny. The second pine variety may also be ‘96GE0034’. In addition, this method may further comprise making progeny of ‘96GE0034’ through wind pollination, controlled pollination, or mass controlled pollination.

The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny or hybrids thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, as either the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, (b) harvesting seeds produced from said cross, and (c) producing and selecting progeny from said harvested seeds. The second pine variety may also be ‘96GE0034’.

The present invention also relates to a method of producing loblolly pine progeny, comprising the steps of selfing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, and (b) selecting progeny.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The patent or application file contains drawings executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new loblolly pine tree ‘96GE0034’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of ‘96GE0034’.

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a loblolly pine tree of ‘96GE0034’, at age 2, grown in a field experiment in Berkeley County, South Carolina, which shows the stem straightness of ‘96GE0034’.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of a loblolly pine tree variety with average growth performance, at age 2, grown in a field experiment in Berkeley County, South Carolina.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides ‘96GE0034’ as a new, distinct and stable variety of loblolly pine that is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventors in 1995 in Ravenel, S.C. The objective of the planned breeding program was to develop a new loblolly pine tree with vigorous growth, high biomass production for fiber or fuel use, straight stem and high resistance to fusiform rust infection that would achieve commercial maturity sooner than typical loblolly pine trees in the Southeast coastal zone of the United States.

For the purposes of this application, the term “variety” is equivalent to a clone, as ‘96GE0034’ may be reproduced asexually and all of the clones are essentially identical genetically.

For the purposes of this application, during “mass control pollination” (MCP) a large number of female strobili are pollinated and produce seedlings (or rooted cuttings) for use in regeneration. The large scale of MCP distinguishes this process from traditional “controlled pollination” (CP), which is used to produce seed for progeny tests in order to evaluate the genetic value of the parents. Bramlett, D L. 1997. Genetic Gain from Mass Controlled Pollination and Topworking. Journal of Forestry, vol. 95, p 15-19. Another difference between MCP and CP is the amount of control that is used to reduce contamination. CP flowers are isolated from any outside pollen contamination and pollen is collected and processed to be nearly 100% free of contaminating pollen. In CP, the goal is that every seed has a known mother and father. The MCP process allows some contamination, so faster and less expensive techniques are used to produce large quantities of seed with the majority of the seed having a known mother and a known father.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘96GE0034’ which in combination distinguish this loblolly pine tree as a new and distinct loblolly pine variety:

1. Excellent stem straightness;

2. High biomass production;

3. Uniform, rapid growth;

4. Good fusiform rust resistance.

In comparison to the full-sibling family of which it is a member, ‘96GE0034’ differs primarily in the traits listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 New Variety Family Trait ‘96GE0034’ 7-56 × 9-6 Straightness Very good Moderate to good Growth Rapid Low to high Rust infection Low Low to high Forking Low Low to high Branch angle Moderate Moderate to steep Branch allocation High Moderate to high

Of the many commercial varieties known to the present inventors, the most similar in comparison to the new loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’ is Pinus designated AA32 (unpatented), and ‘96GE0034’ differs from AA32 primarily in the traits listed in Table 2:

TABLE 2 New Variety Trait ‘96GE0034’ Straightness Superior to AA32 Growth Superior to AA32 Stand uniformity Greater uniformity than AA32 Rust resistance High for GE34 and very high for AA32 Branch allocation Greater than AA32 Forking Less than AA32

The examples described herein are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Different embodiments of the present invention have been described according to the present invention. Many modifications and variations may be made to the methods and plants described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Breeding of ‘96GE0034’

The new Pinus variety is a product of a controlled breeding program conducted by the inventors, in Ravenel, S.C. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new loblolly pine tree with vigorous growth, straight stem and high resistance to fusiform rust infection that would achieve commercial maturity sooner than typical trees in the Southeast coastal zone.

The new Pinus variety originated from a cross made by the inventors in 1995 in Ravenel, S.C. The new Pinus variety is a progeny of a first-generation selection pollinated by a first-generation selection. The female or seed parent is the unpatented Pinus taeda variety designated 7-56 selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and is a first-generation selection. The male or pollen parent is the unpatented Pinus taeda variety designated 9-6 selected in Brunswick County, North Carolina, and is a first-generation selection.

Cross pollination occurred in 1995 followed by induction of somatic embryogenesis tissue and cyropreservation of embryogenic tissue in 1996 in Summerville, S.C. The first somatic seedlings of the new Pinus variety were produced in 1998 and then planted in October, 1998, in 2 field experiments located in Berkeley and Allendale Counties, South Carolina. Among these 2 field experiments, a total of 20 ramets of the new Pinus variety were planted (10 ramets per field experiment). Additional ramets of the new Pinus variety were produced and planted in 2 field experiments in October, 1999, in Berkeley and Allendale Counties, South Carolina (each contained 10 ramets).

The new Pinus variety was discovered and selected by the inventors within the progeny of the stated cross in 2004. The new Pinus variety was selected by the inventors based on stem straightness, rapid growth and fusiform rust resistance.

Asexual reproduction of the new Pinus variety by somatic embryogenesis, a tissue culture technique for embryo multiplication, was first performed in August, 1996, in Summerville, S.C., and the propagated variety has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new variety are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new variety reproduces true to type.

Example 2 Description of ‘96GE0034’

The new Pinus ‘96GE0034’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new loblolly pine tree variety may vary with environmental variations such as temperature, light intensity and day length, as well as, growing conditions variations such as irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control, without any change in the genotype of the new loblolly pine tree variety.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe loblolly pine trees of ‘96GE0034’ as grown in the pine farm in Berkeley County, South Carolina, under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

Unless otherwise stated, the detailed botanical description includes observations, measurements and values based on 4-year old ‘96GE0034’ trees grown in the pine farm in Berkeley County, South Carolina, from 1999 to 2003. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average of measurements taken from a number of trees of ‘96GE0034’. The measurements of any individual tree, or any group of trees, of the new variety may vary from the stated average.

Color references are made to the Munsell Color Charts For Plant Tissues (MCC), 1968 edition, except where general colors of ordinary significance are used. Color values were taken under daylight conditions at approximately 1 a.m. EST in Berkeley County, South Carolina.

All of the trees of ‘96GE0034’, insofar as they have been observed, have been similar in all the characteristics described below.

Classification:

-   -   Botanical: Pinus taeda

Parentage:

-   Female or Seed Parent: Pinus taeda variety designated ‘7-56’     (unpatented), selected in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, and     is a first-generation selection. -   Male or Pollen Parent: Pinus taeda variety designated ‘9-6’     (unpatented), selected in Brunswick County, North Carolina, and is a     first-generation selection.

Propagation: Somatic Embryogenesis

Growing Conditions:

-   -   Light intensities: Full sunlight.     -   Temperature: Average summer maximum temperature of 90 degrees         F., and average minimum winter temperature of 36 degrees F.     -   Fertilization: None.     -   Growth regulators: None.     -   Pruning or trimming requirements: None.

Tree:

-   Age: Observed trees were 4 years old. -   Vigor: The height growth rate of ‘96GE0034’ is 6^(th) among 90     loblolly pine varieties, at about 180 cm of terminal growth per     year. -   Form and Habit: A pine tree that is upright and conical in shape     with whorled, larger diameter branches that form moderate angle to     the trunk. Canopy is broader than typical loblolly pine trees. The     occurrence of rust infections is low. We expect a mature tree of     ‘96GE0034’ to approach 33 m in height at age 25. -   Branching habit: Whorled. Main branches angle is 35° to 45° with     respect to trunk if allowed to grow naturally.     Size (4 Years Old):     -   Height: About 7 m     -   Spread: About 4 m         Roots:     -   Time to initiate roots: About 4 to 6 weeks.

Trunk:

-   -   Height: About 1 m to 1.5 m to lowest live limb.     -   Diameter: About 12.2 cm     -   Texture: Bark texture varies by age. Immature bark is scaly and         mature bark is irregularly blocky.     -   Bark color: Primarily MCC 7.5 YR 5/2, with MCC 7.5 YR 5/4,         underbark.     -   Trunk Lenticels: (None visible)

Primary Branches:

-   -   Number per tree: About one set of 2-5 branches/whorl every 40 cm         along trunk     -   Length: Varies due to conical shape of tree; maximum of about         198 cm; minimum of about 30 cm. On average, branches grow about         20 cm to 30 cm, and then new branchlets form, radiating from the         older, primary branch.     -   Diameter (at 4 years): About 30 mm to 35 mm     -   Surface texture: Somewhat scaly and rough     -   Pubescence: None.     -   Color:         -   Mature: MCC 7.5 YR 5/4         -   New Growth: MCC 5.0 YR 5/4

Branchlets:

-   -   Number per primary branch: About 3-4 every 15-20 cm along branch     -   Length: Maximum of about 60 cm; minimum of about 15 cm     -   Diameter: About 4 mm to 10 mm     -   Surface texture: Smooth to rough     -   Pubescence: None.     -   Color:         -   Mature: MCC 7.5 YR 5/4         -   New Growth: MCC 5.0 YR 5/4

-   Internode length: 4 to 6 growth cycles per year. Length varies by     growth condition, averaging greater than 30 cm per cycle.

-   Internode diameter: Varies by position on the tree. Ranges from     about 15 cm at base to 1.0 cm at top.

-   Branch lenticels: (None)

Foliage:

Juvenile Needles:

-   -   Arrangement: Single and arranged in spiral     -   Duration: Produced for about 3 months to 1 year.     -   Size:         -   Length: About 20 mm to 40 mm         -   Width: About 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm     -   Shape:         -   Overall: Acicular         -   Apex: Acute         -   Base: Sessile     -   Margin: Entire     -   Orientation: Lateral     -   Aspect: Straight     -   Texture: Glabrous     -   Color:         -   Upper surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 4/4, graduating to             MCC 7.5 GY 4/4 at needle tip         -   Under surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 4/4, graduating to             MCC 7.5 GY 4/4 at needle tip     -   Scale leaves: None present

Mature Needles:

-   -   Arrangement: Evergreen needles, typically 3 needles per         fascicle.     -   Duration: Without injury, needles can persist for about 2 years.     -   Size:         -   Length (including sheath): About 120 mm to 220 mm         -   Width: About 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm     -   Shape:         -   Overall: Acicular         -   Apex: Acute         -   Base: Sessile     -   Margin: Entire     -   Orientation: Lateral     -   Aspect: Straight to somewhat twisted     -   Texture: Glabrous     -   Color:         -   Upper surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 graduating to             MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 at needle tip         -   Under surface: Fascicle base, MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 graduating to             MCC 7.5 GY 3/4 at needle tip

Venation:

-   -   Pattern: Linear     -   Color: MCC 7.5 GY 3/4

Sheath:

-   -   Size:         -   Length: About 10 mm to 15 mm         -   Width: About 2 mm to 3 mm     -   Color: MCC 7.5 YR 7/2

Fragrance: Similar to Turpentine and lemon-lime

Buds:

-   -   Type: Terminal and secondary     -   Shape: Narrowly ovoid     -   Length: About 5 mm to 15 mm     -   Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm     -   Texture: Covered with scales     -   Color: Apex, MCC 5 YR 6/4, and base, MCC 5 YR 6/4     -   Scales:         -   Number: About 8 to 10         -   Overall shape: Triangular         -   Apex shape: Muncronate         -   Base shape: Broadly rounded         -   Color:             -   Upper: MCC 2.5 YR 5/8             -   Lower: MCC 2.5 YR 5/8

Cones:

Natural flowering season: February to March in Summerville, S.C.

Type: Monoecious; cone description provided for female cones.

Immature Cone (Unopened):

-   -   Overall Shape: Ovoid to cylindrical     -   Length: About 75 mm to 130 mm     -   Width: About 20 mm to 30 mm     -   Weight: About 30 gm to 150 gm     -   Texture: Irregular surface with short spine on each scale     -   Color: Apex, MCC 2.5 YR 6/4, and base, MCC 2.5 YR 6/4     -   Peduncle (rachis):         -   Length: About 60 mm to 100 mm         -   Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm         -   Texture: Not visible in unopened cone, covered with scales         -   Color: MCC 5 YR 4/8         -   Scales:             -   Number per peduncle (rachis): About 120             -   Overall shape: Exposed portion (apex) loosely                 quadrilateral             -   Apex shape: Loosely quadrilateral             -   Base shape: Not visible in unopened cone             -   Color: MCC 5 YR 5/4

Mature Cone (opened):

-   -   Age: Generally by about 10 years     -   Overall Shape Ovoid to narrowly conical     -   Length: About 75 mm to 150 mm     -   Width: About 40 mm to 60 mm     -   Weight: About 10 gm to 40 gm     -   Texture: Scale surfaces smooth except for short spine     -   Color: Apex, MCC 2.5 Y 8/4, and base, MCC 2.5 Y 8/4     -   Peduncle (rachis): Inseparable from scales that cover it         -   Length: About 60 mm to 100 mm         -   Width: About 3 mm to 6 mm         -   Texture: Not visible, covered with scales         -   Scales:             -   Number per peduncle (rachis): About 120             -   Type: Umbo-dorsal.             -   Overall shape: Rectangular, flared at apex and narrowing                 at base             -   Apex shape: Muncronate umbo             -   Base shape: Narrowing to juncture with peduncle             -   Color: MCC 2.5 Y 8/4

Seeds:

-   -   Number per scale: About 2     -   Type: Anemophilous     -   Overall Shape Somewhat triangular, with a raised center     -   Length: About 5 mm     -   Diameter: About 4 mm     -   Texture: Smooth     -   Color: Dark (MCC 5 YR 3/2) to light brown (MCC 7.5 YR 6/8),         sometimes mottled     -   Seed wing:         -   Attachment: Articulate         -   Length: About 20 mm         -   Width: About 8 mm         -   Color: MCC 5 YR 4/6

Use: High Yield Industrial Plantations

-   -   DISEASE/PEST RESISTANCE: Free of fusiform rust infection in         field trees through age 4. USDA Resistance Screening Center         testing, using artificial inoculation with rust spores in two         tests, yielded an average 22.2% infection where the resistant         check had a 47.6% infection rate and the susceptible check had         an 79.6% infection rate.     -   DISEASE/PEST SUSCEPTIBILITY: No further pest testing has been         done.     -   WEATHER HARDINESS/TOLERANCE: No testing has been conducted

Example 3 Genetic Fingerprinting Data of ‘96GE0034’

Molecular markers are widely used to assess genetic variation and relationships among and within a species (Faut, D., “Hypervariability of Simple Sequences as a General Source of Polymorphic DNA Markers,” Nucleic Acids Res., Vol. 17, 1989, pp. 6463-6471). Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been useful for studying genetic relationships in loblolly pine (Liewlaksaneeyanawin, et al., “Single-copy, Species-transferable Microsatellite Markers Developed from Loblolly Pine ESTs,” Theor. Appl. Genet., Vol. 109, No. 2, 2004, pp. 361-369). Here, a set of 13 loblolly pine SSR markers were used to generate a unique DNA fingerprinting profile for loblolly pine genotype ‘96GE0034’ (GE34). The SSR primer sequences used for this analysis and GenBank accession numbers are provided below.

Materials Methods

In order to generate microsatellite marker fingerprints for 12 different loblolly clonal varieties, NQ26, NQ90, ON10, PM212, PM229, GE34, PM51, PT1056, PT5992, NQ857, PT6615, and PT7207), 13 markers (Tables 3A and 3B) that were highly informative, easy and unambiguous to score, and well spaced across the genome were selected. Two of these markers, sifg-0493 and ript-1040 were from the same linkage, although they were still almost completely independent with a genetic map distance of 41 cM.

The 5′ ends of all forward primers were modified with the universal m13 sequence CACGACGTTGTAAAACGAC (SEQ ID NO: 1), and the reverse primers all had the sequence GTTTCTT at the 5′ end. These were used with a fluorescently labeled m13 primer of the same sequence as the 5′ modification of the forward primers. Data was generated for one negative reagent control, the 12 CTAB extracted template DNA's, and three CTAB extracted DNA's of previously genotyped reference control samples of loblolly pine; B-145-L, 487NCS (=7-56), and 8-1070). The following reagents and concentrations were used in a 611 volume PCR reaction to amplify products: 20 ng template DNA, 5× colorless Gotaq™ r×n buffer with 15 mM MgCl₂ dilute to 1.0×, Promega dNTPs at 66 μM each base, 0.04 μM forward primer, 0.16 reverse primer, 0.16 μM fluorescently labeled M13 primer (dye label based on product pool in table), and 1 unit hot start Taq polymerase. Thermocycling was conducted in 96-well format using PTC-200 thermocyclers with heated bonnets from MJ-research using the following parameters: 94° C. for 2 minutes, followed by 20 cycles of 94° C. for 30 seconds, 65° C. minus 0.5° C. per cycle for 30 seconds, 72° C. for 1 minute, then 25 cycles of 92° C. for 30 seconds, 55° C. for 30 seconds, and 72° C. for 1 minute thirty seconds followed by a final extension at 72° C. for 15 minutes. The products were then held at 4° C. until analyzed.

PCR products were combined and diluted in 18 mega-ohm water into 4 product pools (Tables 3A and 3B) such that one template and several markers could be analyzed in the same capillary. Two micoliters of each product pool were then loaded on an ABI 3130 genetic analyzer using the default run module for a 36 cm capillary array modified by the addition of 5 minutes to the run time. An ABI LIZ600 internal size standard was used in each well at a concentration of 10 μl size standard/ml ABI HiDi formamide. Product fragments were then analyzed with GeneMapper™ 3.7 analysis software using microsatellite default settings as the analysis method.

Binning and naming of alleles were done using a scheme which allows for freedom of marker dye modification among projects to meet specific needs while still maintaining the same allele names for unifying data sets among projects. Allele names were first assigned to PCR products from each marker run with a 15-tree reference panel. Markers from these initial reference runs were labeled in one of four dye-labels, VIC, 6-FAM, NED, or PET. The allele names for a marker were based on fragment size as it appeared for whatever dye used in the reference sample runs. Any novel allele fragments in a subsequent project are named based on their relative base pair sizing within this reference frame, and subsequently become part of an additive set of named allele bins for that marker. The largest bin set for a marker is then used for all consecutive projects. Dye migration sizing differences among project runs are corrected when needed (i.e. marker A was run with 6-FAM in project 1, but VIC in project 2) for by shifting the positions of all bins in a set to the left (−) or right (+) based on dye migration difference values collected previously. Any further refinements needed due to slight run-to-run variation can also be judged by the binning of the reference controls and should be applied to all bins in a set equally. The three positive control reference samples included in PCR and sizing in this project matched previous allele calls.

SAS and Perl procs were used to process the data and GenAlEx v. 6.1 to calculate a genetic distance (methods=codom-genotypic) matrix.

TABLE 3A Information on 13 microsatellite markers used for the DNA fingerprinting study. Number Dye Product Linkage Size range, Reference Locus name Label Pools Group Position LG (cM) bps Alleles PtRIP-0619 6-FAM 3 6 28.0 180-250 16 PtRIP-1040 VIC 1 2 53.8 200-240 13 PtRIP-1077 VIC 2 4 5.0 210-300 8 PtSIFG-0193 NED 1 11 1.7 250-270 3 PtSIFG-0493 NED 2 2 12.6 288-332 6 PtSIFG-0566 6-FAM 2 1 25.8 120-150 4 PtSIFG-0737 PET 2 10 110.0 420-480 11 PtSIFG-1190 NED 3 9 75.5 290-340 3 PtSIFG-4222 PET 4 8 6.2 310-360 3 PtSIFG-4233 6-FAM 1 7 57.3 116-160 14 PtSIFG-4304 VIC 3 12 37.0 408-424 7 PtTX-4114 6-FAM 4 3 35.0 110-170 9 SsrPt-ctg9249 PET 1 5 19.9 170-200 3

TABLE 3B GenBank accession numbers and sequences for SSR primer pairs used in genotyping analysis of line ‘96GE0034’ Accession Primer Number Primer Sequence (5′-3′) PtRIP_0619 BV683091 CAGCTCTCTTAATAGCCTCGGGCACAT AGCAACGCTGAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 2) PtRIP_1040 BV683133 TCAAGGAATTCATTGGAGCCTTTGGCC ATATCAAACCCAT (SEQ ID NO: 3) PtRIP_1077 BV683137 AACATTCTAGCATGCCCCACTTGTGGT GGATGTCTCTCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 4) PtSIFG_0193 BV728742 CCCATGCATCAATTCAAGTTTGTGCGT GGATATGGAAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 5) PtSIFG_0493 BV728661 GAGAACATCTGCCTTGAGCCCTGGCAT GATGGGTTTCTCT (SEQ ID NO: 6) PtSIFG_0566 BV728755 ACTTAGTGGGAAAGGGGGAATTCCTCA GCCAAAAGCTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 7) PtSIFG_0737 BV728669 GCAAGGGGAATTGCTTATGAGGGATCG CATCAGCTGTAAT (SEQ ID NO: 8) PtSIFG_1190 BV728679 CAGGTGGCTTGGATTTCATTTCATTCA AGCGTCCTGCTTA (SEQ ID NO: 9) PtSIFG_4222 BV728762 CACCCTTTTCACGCAAGAATGCCTACG CATTATCCTTCCA (SEQ ID NO: 10) PtSIFG_4233 BV728685 AGGGAAACCGCGGATTATAGCCGGAAT GAAGATTGCAGTT (SEQ ID NO: 11) PtSIFG_4304 BV728793 CATGCATGTGTGGAGGAGTCTCATGTG CTTTGATCCCCT (SEQ ID NO: 12) PtTX_4114 BV728876 ACACATGTCTTGAGGAGTTCAATTTGA TCTATAACTTTCACC (SEQ ID NO: 13) SsrPt_ctg9249 BV728813 CTGCTCCCTCAGCTCTTCCAGACGTCA CTGCCATTACCC (SEQ ID NO: 14)

Results and Discussion

All 13 markers gave excellent results for the 12 loblolly variety samples, plus our three control samples. Allelic peaks were easily binned and called using our existing marker panels and bin sets. Of the possible 13*12=156 data points (i.e., co-dominant genotypes), 155 were scored (<0.7% missing data).

All 12 variety samples provided distinct allelic profiles, with one pair of varieties (PT6615 and PT7207) showing high allele similarity.

The sample genotypes for all 13 markers and 12 varieties plus 3 control trees are provided in Tables 4A-4C. One missing data point is contained in the table for PM229 and is denoted by a 0 at each allele. ‘96GE0034’ can be distinguished from other pine genotypes using as few as one primer set: PtTX4114 or PtSIFG_(—)4304.

Tables 4A-4C.—Allele Fingerprinting Data from Twelve Loblolly Pine Genotypes Using Thirteen Primer Sets

TABLE 4A Genotype PtRIP_1040 PtRIP_1077 PtSIFG_0193 PtSIFG_0493 GE34 217 217 247 247 256 258 314 317 NQ26 223 223 235 245 256 258 308 314 NQ857 217 227 241 243 253 256 314 317 NQ90 217 217 235 247 253 258 314 314 ON10 217 217 235 247 256 256 314 314 PM212 217 217 241 247 256 258 308 317 PM229 217 223 241 245 256 256 314 317 PM51 217 217 247 247 256 258 308 317 PT1056 217 217 247 257 256 256 314 314 PT5992 217 217 241 245 256 256 317 317 PT6615 217 227 241 245 256 256 317 317 PT7207 217 227 241 245 256 258 317 317

TABLE 4B Genotype PtSIFG_0566 PtSIFG_0737 PtSIFG_1190 PtSIFG_4222 GE34 129 135 444 456 312 312 344 346 NQ26 129 135 444 444 312 312 344 344 NQ857 135 135 450 462 312 312 342 344 NQ90 129 135 444 444 309 312 344 344 ON10 141 141 444 456 312 312 344 344 PM212 135 141 444 450 312 312 344 346 PM229 135 135 444 450 312 312 342 344 PM51 135 141 444 450 312 312 344 346 PT1056 129 141 444 444 312 312 344 344 PT5992 129 135 444 450 303 312 342 344 PT6615 129 135 444 456 303 312 342 344 PT7207 129 135 444 456 303 312 342 344

TABLE 4C Genotype PtSIFG_4233 PtSIFG_4304 PtTX4114 SsrPt_ctg9249 PtRIP_0619 GE34 124 136 418 420 130 136 175 178 221 221 NQ26 122 124 420 420 136 140 175 178 221 221 NQ857 122 136 420 420 138 140 175 175 221 225 NQ90 122 122 416 420 132 140 178 184 221 221 ON10 122 124 416 420 136 136 175 178 221 223 PM212 122 122 416 420 138 140 175 178 221 223 PM229 0 0 420 420 138 140 175 178 221 223 PM51 122 136 416 420 136 140 175 178 223 223 PT1056 122 124 416 420 136 140 175 178 221 221 PT5992 122 122 420 420 138 144 175 178 223 223 PT6615 124 136 420 420 134 136 175 178 221 221 PT7207 122 124 420 420 134 136 175 178 221 221

The examples described herein are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Different embodiments of the present invention have been described according to the present invention. Many modifications and variations may be made to the methods and plants described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Although the foregoing refers to particular preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not so limited. It will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the following claims. All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those in the art to which the invention pertains.

All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A loblolly pine tree variety designated ‘96GE0034’ (GE34), wherein a representative sample has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358.
 2. A tissue culture of cells produced from the variety of claim
 1. 3. Plant parts obtained from the loblolly pine tree of claim 1, wherein said parts have all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the loblolly pine tree variety of claim
 1. 4. Harvested products obtained from the loblolly pine tree of claim
 1. 5. Wood produced from the harvested products obtained from the loblolly pine tree of claim
 1. 6. A method of reproducing plants of the variety ‘96GE0034’), as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358, comprising the step of multiplying ‘96GE0034’ cells through somatic embryogenesis and reproducing ‘96GE0034’ plants.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising making root cuttings of the reproduced ‘96GE0034’ plants and planting the root cuttings.
 8. A method of producing loblolly pine progeny or a hybrid thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358, either as the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, and (b) selecting progeny.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second pine variety is ‘96GE0034’, as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358.
 10. A method of producing loblolly pine progeny or a hybrid thereof, comprising the steps of (a) crossing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’), as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358, as either the female or seed parent or male or pollen parent, with a second pine variety, (b) harvesting seeds produced from said cross, and (c) producing and selecting progeny from said harvested seeds.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the second pine variety is ‘96GE0034’, as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358.
 12. A method of producing loblolly pine progeny, comprising the steps of (a) selfing loblolly pine ‘96GE0034’, as deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9358, and (b) selecting progeny.
 13. Plant graft material obtained from the loblolly pine tree of claim 1, wherein said graft material has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the loblolly pine tree variety of claim
 1. 